Energy Efficiency for Residents

The average city of Port Angeles household uses 1440 kWh per month, and the largest energy use in these homes is space heating. Making a few changes in the way you heat and use appliances in your home can make a difference in your monthly utility costs. See "Helpful Links" below to learn more.

What you Can Do to Save Energy

Energy is Power used over a period of Time. When it comes down to it, there are only two ways to save energy. The first way to save is to reduce the Power rating by selecting a lower wattage appliance. The second way that you can save energy is to reduce the amount of Time that you use an appliance. You will save energy by reducing the wattage and/or the amount of time an appliance is on.

Lower your heating thermostat at night and when you are not home. Did you know that for every degree you reduce your thermostat setting, you can reduce the heating portion of your electrical usage by 2%?

Switch to compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs, they use 60-75% less energy than regular bulbs. Replace light bulbs in outdoor fixtures and high-use areas, such as the kitchen, first.

Change your energy-using habits by shutting off computers, televisions, stereos, video games, and other appliances when not in use. When you have shut these devices off, unplug electric chargers, televisions, and audio/video equipment, or plug them into a power strip that you can turn off. These devices use electricity even when they are not in use.

To see a more detailed look at how you can save in your home, compare your home's energy performance with other U.S. households at Energy Star Home Energy Yardstick. To get the most accurate information from this free assessment tool, you will need to have your household's past twelve months energy consumption available. If you are a city resident, you can easily access this information via the Utility Information Center page.

Helpful Links

If you're considering upgrading or enhancing your home with energy-efficient features, you're in the right place! For customers with electrically heated homes, the City of Port Angeles offers great options to help you pay for eligible energy-saving home improvements. Rebates are available for air sealing, increasing insulation levels, installing energy-efficient windows, and heat pump conversions. For more details on weatherization rebates for your home, be sure to check out our Residential Energy Conservation Rebates brochure (PDF).

The City of Port Angeles, in partnership with Bonneville Power Administration, offers home improvement energy-saving conservation incentives. The most popular rebates include conversions to heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, thermal insulation, and window replacement.

Our most popular energy-saving home improvement is conversion to a ductless heat pump. These units are a great fit for an electrically heated home. They provide heating and cooling options for year-round comfort at a fraction of the cost of a standard heating system.

Be sure to check out our links for more information on these money saving programs.

Helpful Links

Increasing insulation levels in your home can make it more comfortable, and reduce heating needs year-round. The City of Port Angeles offers rebates for upgrading thermal insulation levels in ceilings, floors, and walls of existing homes. More information can be found in the Insulation Buyers Guide (PDF), which provides valuable information on insulation types and application.

In order to participate, your home must currently be served electricity by the City of Port Angeles, and have any type of electric heating equipment capable of heating your building. This rebate is not available for new construction.

To get started, contact a City Authorized Contractor (PDF) and have them assess the opportunities for improving insulation levels. The contractor can help you complete an Insulation Rebate Application (PDF) for submittal to the City. Weatherwise staff will review the application and issue a written Notice to Proceed, along with a Participation Statement informing you of the rebate amount and your final cost for the improvements. Please note that in order to qualify for a rebate, the City must provide advance written approval before work is performed.

Helpful Links

Windows can be one of your home's most attractive features. Windows provide views, day lighting, ventilation, and solar heating in the winter. Plus, new windows are far more energy-efficient than old windows. If you’re thinking of replacing the windows in your home, the City of Port Angeles may be able to help with the rebates we offer. There are several options to consider when you shop for windows, most of which can significantly affect the cost. The City of Port Angeles offers a rebate for replacing single pane windows, single pane windows with storm windows, or metal framed dual pane windows. To qualify for a rebate, windows must have a National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) rated U-value of 0.30 or lower.

To get started, contact a City Authorized Contractor (PDF) to have an assessment done. The contractor can help you complete a Window Rebate Application (PDF) for submittal to the City. Weatherwise staff will review the application and issue a written Notice to Proceed, along with a Participation Statement informing you of the rebate amount and your final cost for the improvements. Please note that in order to qualify for a rebate, the City must provide advance written approval before work is performed.

Helpful Links

Save hundreds of dollars per year on your electric heating bills when you upgrade to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system. Upgrading is simple and affordable with utility incentives and tax credits available for qualified units. With a new heat pump you'll not only save money, but your home will be more comfortable than ever. Air conditioning comes standard with heat pump systems, so you’ll be just as cool in the summer as you are cozy in the winter. And since these systems can improve air quality, you will enjoy clean, healthy air year-round.

To qualify for a rebate, the heat pump must be installed in an existing home that is electrically heated and installed in accordance with Air Source Heat Pump Installation Specifications (PDF), and you must be an electric utility customer of the City of Port Angeles. More information can be found in the Heat Pump Buyers Guide (PDF), which provides valuable information on how heat pumps work, and the economics of installing a heat pump.

When you choose to upgrade your electric heating system to a heat pump, you have two energy-saving options:

Ductless Heat Pumps

Ductless heating and cooling systems are a great fit for electrically heated homes. They provide even air distribution for consistent, year-round comfort at a fraction of the cost of inefficient electric furnaces as well as baseboard, wall, and ceiling heat. Ductless heat pumps are most popular in homes that do not already have collaborative air ducts to distribute heat. Since 2009, ductless installs have increased by over 50,000 in northwest homes. Over 90% of these customers are satisfied with their ductless heating and cooling system. Utility incentives and rebates make a ductless upgrade more affordable than ever.

Heat Pumps

Simply put, a heat pump is a device that uses a small amount of energy to move heat from one location to another. Heat pumps are typically used to pull heat out of the air or ground to heat a home, but they can also reverse that effect to cool a building. One of the biggest advantages of a heat pump over a standard heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is that there's no need to install separate systems to heat and cool your home.

To get started, contact a City Authorized Contractor (PDF) for an assessment. The contractor can help you complete a Heat Pump Rebate Application (PDF) or Ductless Heat Pump Installation Form (PDF), for submittal to the City. Weatherwise staff will review the application and issue a written Notice to Proceed, along with a Participation Statement informing you of the rebate amount and your final cost for the improvements. Please note that in order to qualify for a rebate, the City must provide advance written approval before work is performed.

Low Income Program

While you're making your energy smart decisions on home improvement, don't forget to see if you qualify for our Free Weatherization Program (PDF). To begin, please view income guidelines (PDF). This program has offered many homeowners in the City of Port Angeles free or reduced costs while they are upgrading their home. A click today could save you tomorrow!

We're Here to Help

If you aren't sure where to start or you have questions about our energy conservation programs, call our Residential Energy Analyst at 360-417-4715 (M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or send us an email. Also feel free to call our conservation hotline anytime at 360-417-4713.